Sociology at Central Washington University

Central Washington's sociology program defies the common narrative about liberal arts degrees by delivering strong earnings growth that lifts graduates well above both national and state averages. While the starting salary of $36,466 sits modestly above the national median, the jump to $49,664 by year four represents 36% growth—a trajectory that suggests graduates are successfully translating their degree into career advancement. Among Washington sociology programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, trailing flagship schools like UW-Seattle and WSU but outpacing most regional competitors.

The $25,000 debt load matches the national median exactly and sits slightly above Washington's state median of $21,238, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 at graduation. Within a year or two of employment, graduates should realistically be able to tackle this debt while building their careers. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes.

For families worried about the "what can you do with a sociology degree" question, CWU's data provides a reassuring answer: graduates are finding pathways to solid middle-class incomes without crushing debt. The earnings trajectory matters more here than the starting point, and this program delivers on that front.